AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT
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CHILD DEVELOPMENT
How is a child’s development
like a jigsaw puzzle?
• Each piece is important to the whole puzzle!
• Individually the pieces are difficult to identify but when put
together correctly, they form a beautiful, complete picture.
• With the development of children, it’s difficult to discuss concepts
concerning one of the areas of development without figuring out
how it relates to the other areas of their development
PHYSICAL
• Having to do with the body & motor skills:
• Gross motor skills develop large muscles
• Fine motor skills develop eye/hand
coordination
PHYSICAL CONTINUED…
• Focuses on growth such as height & weight
• Development of the senses
• Physical development depends on
opportunities to develop fine/gross motor
skills & to maintain health through proper
nutrition, exercise, rest and
medical care
INTELLECTUAL- (Cognitive)
This area has to do with:
the mind & brain
learning & problem-solving
school concepts
creative thinking skills
language & literacy
moral development
EMOTIONAL
• Identifying and expressing feelings:
• Understanding others feelings
• Developing a positive self-concept
SOCIAL
• Getting along with & interacting with others
that includes:
– Sharing & taking turns
– Cooperating & playing together
– Appreciating diversity
– Following rules & appropriate behaviors (manners)
CASE STUDY
Four year old Libby woke up from her nap hungry. Her mother
had promised that they would make muffins, a favorite snack.
So mom read the recipe and helped Libby measure the
ingredients and put them in the correct order. Mom even let her
stir at appropriate times. She also lined the muffin tin with
paper liners and helped pour the batter into them. When the
muffins finished baking and came out of the oven, Libby
squealed with delight saying “I did it…..I made muffins!” She
was so proud of herself. Together, mom and Libby, enjoyed
muffins with a cold glass of milk, which Libby poured by herself.
Identify the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social areas of
development taking place in this scenario….
KEY
• Physical: small motor skills with stirring &
pouring & lining muffin tins
• Intellectual: following directions, sequencing, &
measuring
• Emotional: joy, pride, increased self-esteem
• Social: mom & child spending time together